Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Thatyana Morales. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Thatyana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I’d say I made was in establishing the little free library in my neighborhood. This project was more of an investment into my community, since I believed that the library would make a positive impact by offering community members a chance to exchange books and find a renewed love for reading. Since establishing the library in early 2022, the little free library has now become three little free libraries: one housing books for adults, one for teens/preteens, and one for kids. Many people stop by the libraries each week to take or give books, as well as share how much they love interacting with the library. It warms my heart to see people find their next read every time they stop by!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up reading books and falling in love with fictional characters and stories, and I still do that to this day. Unfortunately not everyone in my neighborhood has the means to get books for themselves or their children, so they miss out on a hobby that I had all my life. Wanting to provide a chance for other locals to develop and continue a love for reading, I established Howie the little free library (and later Howie Jr. and Howiette) where I collect donated books for adults, teens, and children, and offer them in the libraries for people to give and take each day at any time of the day. Offering these books for free gives the local community an opportunity to read a fun new book each night to their kids, or find solace in the struggles of the fictional characters they can relate to. Reading provides respite from the ever-changing, ever-stressful environment we live in in the city, and it’s something I’m happy to provide to community members.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Social media is a huge resource, but specifically the resources that can be found in social media. After starting an Instagram account for Howie and the little free library family, I discovered many other little free library accounts that offer free book giveaways, and websites to organizations that provide books specifically for little free library stewards. There is also a Little Free Library app that gives you a map of other registered little free libraries in the area, so I have the chance to rotate books in other neighborhoods and make new connections with other stewards! If I had known about these resources before starting the little free library, I would’ve taken advantage of them so I can offer high quality used books for my community.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Become more resourceful. We have a lot more resources than we initially believe, and sometimes there’s more than enough to go around. Providing free or discounted materials and supplies can enable artists to focus on their passion without having to stress over the cost of maintaining their craft. Many little free libraries offer books but some offer artist supplies such as yarn, painting materials, or even space for creatives to display and sell their work! The more we can create spaces to support our local artists and creatives, the more the community thrives in my opinion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @nhowardst_lfl